Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I like the way to oven looks and it seems to cook well. The electronic controls are easy to use. The clock on my unit keeps good time. I gave the Oster TSSTTVMNDG the lowest possible rating because of safety concerns. ELECTRICAL HAZARD: As an electrical engineer, I was astounded to see that the oven is equipped with a 2-wire, ungrounded power cord. In case of a single electrical insulation failure in the oven (common for electrical heating elements) or a liquid spill (also common), the entire metallic interior and exterior of the oven could become electrically "live." This poses the risk of a potentially lethal electrical shock to the user. This seems to me like a callous disregard for the user's safety in order to save a few pennies. A GFCI outlet would reduce the hazard, but most older kitchens are not equipped with these, BURN HAZARD: There is apparently little thermal insulation between the interior of the oven and the rear aluminum panel. I measured a temperature of 265 degrees F on the rear panel using a thermocouple-type thermometer. This would cause a severe burn to anyone touching that surface. I think the only safe way to use the product would be against a nonflammable wall surface. However, many homes have bar-type counters or open "island" counters where the rear of the oven would be accessible. This would be a severe burn hazard for anyone who inadvertently came in contact with the rear of the oven. Update 1/25/2012: Thanks to everyone who commented on my review. It should be noted that this oven does NOT have the UL approval logo. I do have a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Florida and 25+ years experience in the field. I did report my concerns to the US Consumer Protection Agency, but they cannot take any action until someone is injured or killed by the product. There are 3 general ways to make a product electrically safe: One is a three-wire grounded power cord. In case of a liquid spill or short circuit, the electric current will then flow to the ground wire instead of through the user's body. The second means is double insulation. The parts you can touch are all plastic, or there is an extra layer of plastic insulation between internal electrical components and any exposed metal parts. Modern power tools, coffee makers and other small appliances commonly use this method. The third method is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) device as used on hairdryers. The Oster TSSTTVMNDG oven does not appear to have any of these means to protect the user.